JPH05341816A - Sfc programming system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Partially automatically create a graphic program of SFC description. An image memory is provided with a memory area 50 which is divided into 3 × 3 XY coordinate areas having X coordinates 0 to 2 horizontally and Y coordinates 0 to 2 vertically. Then, based on the key input, the image of step A is first drawn at the coordinates (0, 0) in the memory area 50. Next, when the step B is keyed in, two coordinates (0, 1) and (0, 0) that are adjacent and adjacent above the coordinates (0, 2) of the memory area 50 for drawing the step B are searched. .. When the image of step A exists at the coordinate (0, 0) and there is no graphic image at the coordinate (0, 1), the input step B is drawn at the coordinate (0, 2) and the transition graphic is displayed. Automatically created and drawn at coordinates (0, 1), step A, transition, and step B are linked by a link. In the case of a branch step, after drawing a branch step, a transition may be automatically created when a branch line is input. Conversely, after drawing a branch line, a transition is automatically created when a step is input. May be. The same applies to the case of merging.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an SFC programming method for creating a program using an SFC command system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field, various information to be controlled, for example, physical quantity information such as a predetermined quantity of products passing through an exit of a belt conveyor, or danger when a cutting machine is in operation is dangerous. There is logical information such as detection of a moving object in the area. A programmable controller (hereinafter referred to as a PC) is used as a device for performing a predetermined output control (sequence control) according to the various information.

This PC programming method is a PC development that enables a user, who has been distant from both hardware and software with respect to a conventional computer, to easily build a program without being aware that the PC is a computer. Based on its original purpose, it usually involves a completely different form of description than computer programming. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), generally, an expanded connection diagram of a relay circuit using symbol marks such as contacts (switches) 81 and 82 and coils 83, which have been used in the field before the PC was used.

[0004] Usually, the on-site aspect such as the progress status of the process and the work procedure is fluid. Therefore, the sequence control procedure (program) at the work site is not originally specified from the beginning, and changes or corrections are constantly made during the test run or actual operation of the PC according to the actual situation at the site. It becomes fixed by being repeated. For this reason PC
Has all the necessary control elements built into it to easily handle these changes. Then, the user program of the relay circuit diagram of the mechanism of combining these control elements to determine one output is executed as shown in FIG. 8 (a) by performing an operation using these control elements. It has become so.

Further, in recent years, there is a P called a sequential function chart (hereinafter referred to as SFC).
The program description format dedicated to C is receiving attention. This description format is a programming language that makes it possible to graphically display the control operation of the PC, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown, the relay circuit diagram is
4) and the transition (8 in the figure)
5) are alternately arranged in a description section called "5)" and are described while being linked by a link (86 in the figure). Step 84 represents the input / output group of each process to be controlled, and transition 85 represents the selection condition of the next subsequent step.

In this case, the user first uses the SFC programming device (program loader) to perform the steps
By sequentially inputting transitions and links, an SFC description program (hereinafter simply referred to as an SFC graphic) as shown in FIG. 8B is created while being displayed on the screen.

The SFC graphic including the steps, transitions, and links is compiled into intermediate code and stored in the PC. Then, the user completes the program by inputting a relay circuit diagram as shown in FIG. 8 (a), for example, by using an input key or the like in which contacts and coils are coded for each step and transition.

[0008]

By the way, the above-mentioned S
The FC graphic has a rule that a transition must be drawn between steps, and an SFC graphic created in violation of this rule does not operate normally. ..

However, in the conventional programming method using SFC graphics, all program elements (graphic elements) must be key-inputted in the work of creating and editing. In such a work, conventionally, a programming mistake has often occurred in which only steps are continuously drawn and transitions are drawn. Also,
Such programming mistakes are often not discovered until the final stage of the program. Then, for example, when the above-mentioned transition drop error is found in a program written on one page, it is necessary to redraw the figure in all the programs behind the part where the drop error occurs. There was a problem that the productivity of the program was remarkably reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and an object thereof is to automatically create a transition of an SFC figure.

[0011]

The present invention is premised on an SFC programming method for creating a program for a programmable controller using an SFC command system.

The means of the present invention are as follows (see the block diagram of the present invention in FIG. 1). The graphic information input means 1 is SF
Input the graphic information of C description. The means is, for example, a keyboard or the like.

The graphic image memory 2 includes graphic information input means 1
The graphic image corresponding to the graphic information of the SFC description input by is stored. The means comprises, for example, an image memory or the like.

When the graphic information inputting means 1 inputs graphic information, the graphic information automatic creating means 3 is located above the drawing area of the graphic image memory 2 in which a graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information is drawn. The first drawing area adjacent to the first drawing area and the second drawing area adjacent to the first drawing area above the first drawing area are searched to determine the presence / absence of a graphic image, and the graphic is displayed in the first drawing area. No image and above second
When there is a predetermined graphic image in the drawing area, the graphic information corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the first drawing area is automatically created. Further, for example, when the graphic information inputting means 1 inputs graphic information, the same means is provided in the graphic image memory 2 in which a graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information is drawn. The presence / absence of a graphic image is determined by searching for two drawing areas, a third drawing area adjacent below the drawing area and a fourth drawing area adjacent below the third drawing area. When there is no graphic image in the drawing area and a predetermined graphic image exists in the fourth drawing area, graphic information corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the third drawing area is automatically created. The means comprises, for example, a microprocessor.

The graphic image inserting / drawing means 4 draws the graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information in the drawing area of the graphic image memory 2 in which the graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information is to be drawn. A graphic image corresponding to the graphic information created corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the first drawing area by the graphic information automatic creating means 3 is inserted into the first drawing area of the graphic image memory 2 and drawn. Alternatively, as described in claim 2, a graphic image corresponding to the graphic information created corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the third drawing area by the graphic information automatic creating means 3 is stored in the graphic image memory 2 And is drawn in the third drawing area.

This makes it possible to automatically create transitions of SFC figures.

[0017]

The operation of the means of the present invention is as follows. SFC
When the graphic information of the description is input by the graphic information input means 1, the graphic image corresponding to the graphic information is stored in the graphic image memory 2.

Subsequently, the first drawing area adjacent to the upper side of the drawing area in which the graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information of the graphic image memory 2 is drawn and the upper side of the first drawing area. The two drawing areas of the second drawing area
The presence / absence of a graphic image is determined by searching by the graphic information automatic creating means 3. When there is no graphic image in the first drawing area and a predetermined graphic image exists in the second drawing area, graphic information corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the first drawing area is automatically created. To be done.

The graphic information automatic creating means 3 adjoins a third drawing area below the drawing area in which the graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information in the graphic image memory 2 is drawn and the third drawing area. The two drawing areas of the fourth drawing area adjacent below the drawing area are also searched to determine the presence / absence of a graphic image. When there is no graphic image in the third drawing area and a predetermined graphic image exists in the fourth drawing area, graphic information corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the third drawing area is automatically created. To be done.

After that, by the graphic image insertion drawing means 4,
A graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information is drawn in the drawing area of the graphic image memory 2 in which it should be drawn, and automatically corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the first drawing area. A graphic image corresponding to the created graphic information is inserted into the first drawing area and drawn, and corresponds to the graphic information automatically created corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the third drawing area. The graphic image to be drawn is inserted and drawn in the third drawing area.

This enables the transition of the SFC figure to be automatically created.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the program loader according to the embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a program loader is used for program editing (program creation, modification, editing, etc.) by analyzing a keyboard 21 for key-inputting a program and other instructions, and analyzing the key code entered by the key. Key input information input from the system management unit 22 that identifies whether the input is for the input of or other processing and distributes and outputs the key input information based on the identification. Based on the key input information input from the SFC program editing unit 20 that also edits the program based on the above, and the system management unit 22, a comment to be added to the program is created, or after the editing is finished, it is converted into an intermediate code. Other function unit 23 for performing processing of transferring a program to a PC, and SFC program editing unit 20
It is composed of a display 24 which displays a program figure by driving from.

The SFC program editing section 20 further includes a key input receiving section 20a, an automatic creating section 20b, an image creating section 20c, a display section 20d, a storage section 20e, and a compiling section 20f.

Although not particularly shown, the storage unit 20e is created by program editing and a graphic information storage unit in which a plurality of pieces of graphic information (pixel data) including line data, graphic data, coordinate data, etc. are stored in advance. An image information storage unit including a pixel data memory for storing image information (image data) of an SFC graphic, and an intermediate code storage unit for storing an intermediate code obtained by compiling the image information of the SFC graphic. To be done.

The key input acceptance unit 20a analyzes the control code of the key input information input from the system management unit 22, transfers the key input information to the automatic creation unit 20b if it is the code of the drawing command, and sends the compiled command. If it is a code, the key input information is transferred to the compiling unit 20f.

The automatic creation unit 20b is composed of a CPU (central processing unit), etc., and is transferred from the key input reception unit 20a.
Pixel data corresponding to the input key input information is read from the graphic information storage unit of the storage unit 20e to create drawing information of the SFC graphic, and transition drawing information is added when it is necessary to add transition drawing information. Then, the drawing information of the SFC figure is output to the drawing unit 20c.

The drawing unit 20c generates image information of an SFC figure based on the drawing information input from the automatic creating unit 20b, and the generated image information is stored in the image information storage unit (pixel data memory) of the storage unit 20e. To store.

The display section 20d is composed of a display drive section and the like,
Based on the image information read from the pixel data memory of the storage unit 20e, the SFC graphic is displayed on the display 24 as an image.

On the other hand, the compiling unit 20f reads the image information corresponding to the key input information transferred / input from the key input receiving unit 20a from the pixel data memory of the storage unit 20e and converting it into an intermediate code, and the intermediate code is obtained. Is stored in the intermediate code storage unit of the storage unit 20e.

FIG. 3 shows an example of image information stored in the pixel data memory of the storage section 20e. In the figure, the steps A1, A2, A3 and A4 of the main routine of the SFC figure and the transitions Ta1, Ta2 and Ta between the steps are shown on the left side of the image.
3 is drawn, and on the right side of the image, step B1 of the subroutine for branching from step A1 and joining step A4
Also, transitions Tb1, Tb2 and Tb3 are drawn between step B2 and the upper and lower sides of these steps B1 and B2.

In the present embodiment having such a configuration, the processing operation of the SFC graphic part automatic creation performed by the automatic creating unit 20b will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this process, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b),
In the pixel data memory of the storage unit 20e, a 3 × 3 XY in which a physical position on the memory is represented by X coordinates “0” to “2” horizontally and Y coordinates “0” to “2” vertically. An example will be described in which a memory area 50 divided into coordinate areas (hereinafter, simply referred to as coordinates) is provided and an SFC graphic is drawn therein.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, first, it is repeatedly determined whether or not there is an input instruction of step B from the keyboard via the key input receiving unit 20a until the input instruction of step B is received (S401).

This process is performed by the storage unit 20e shown in FIG.
Step A is already stored in the coordinates (0, 0) of the memory area 50 provided in the pixel data memory of
Therefore, when a similar image is displayed on the display 24 of FIG.
When it is specified that the next subsequent input is a step input by key input from the keyboard 21 of
This is a process of determining whether or not step B is keyed in.

If step B is keyed in this determination, the memory area 50 of the pixel data memory is referred to (S402). This process is a process of searching the dot information (pixel information) in the coordinates (0, 2) of the memory area 50 of the pixel data memory of FIG. 5 (a) and extracting the dot information of "1". Is.

Then, at the coordinates (0, 2) of the memory area 50 of the referred pixel data memory, whether the same image element (image information) as the key input from the keyboard in step B exists or not. It is determined (S403).

This process confirms that all the dot information extracted in S402 is "0" (no image is stored), or even if there is image information, the dot information is different from the dot information in step B. Processing.

If it is confirmed that the same image element (image information) does not exist, then the memory area 50 of the pixel data memory is referred to, and the same X coordinate system stored in step B ( Coordinates (0, 0) and coordinates (0,
1)) is searched (S404).

This process is also a process of searching the dot information at the coordinates (0, 0) and the coordinates (0, 1) in the memory area 50 of the pixel data memory and extracting the dot information which is "1". is there.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the condition for automatically creating the condition is met based on the dot information of the two extracted coordinates (S405). This process uses the coordinates (0,
To confirm that the dot information extracted from (0) is a step image, and further that there is no dot information to be extracted at the coordinates (0, 1) below it (no transition image is stored). Processing. Then, it can be confirmed that the dot information extracted from the coordinates (0, 0) is a step image, and further, the coordinates (0, 1) below the dot image are confirmed.
When it is confirmed that there is no dot information to be extracted in 1, that is, the transition image is not stored, it is determined that the automatic creation condition is satisfied.

In that case, the transition T1
An image is drawn on the coordinates (0, 1) of the memory area 50 of the image data memory (S406). As a result, FIG.
As shown in (b), the image of the transition T1 is automatically stored at the coordinates (0, 1) of the pixel data memory 50, and the image of the transition T1 is displayed on the display unit 20 of FIG.
It is read out by d and automatically displayed on the display 24.

Subsequently, the above-mentioned key input step B
Is the coordinate (0,
2), the link image that connects the transition T1 image that was automatically drawn and the step A image of the coordinates (0, 0) of the memory area 50 is drawn at the coordinates (0, 0), (0, 1), Further, a link image connecting the transition T1 image and the step image B at coordinates (0, 2) is drawn at coordinates (0, 1), (0, 2) (S407).

As a result, the image of step B is stored in the coordinates (0, 2) of the pixel data memory 50, and the image of step B is displayed on the display 24 by the display unit 20a of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, step A, transition T1, and step B are automatically linked by a link.

If it is determined in step S405 that the automatic creation conditions are not met, the process immediately moves to step 407. In that case, the transition T1 has already been drawn before the key input in step B. At this time, in step 407, the key input step B is changed to the coordinates of the memory area 50 of the pixel data memory. After drawing at (0, 2), a link image connecting the already drawn transition T1 image and the step image B is drawn at coordinates (0, 1), (0, 2).

In step S403, if there is the same image as in step B input at coordinates (0, 2), it is determined that an input error has occurred, and immediately step S4.
Return to 01.

As described above, in this embodiment, the user only has to draw the steps, and the transition is automatically drawn. In addition, the processing of the above transition automatic image is performed by the SFC as shown in FIG. 5 (b).
Not only the figure but also the SFC figure having steps such as branching and merging are similarly processed.

For example, in the example of the SFC figure shown in FIG. 6B, first, in the pixel data memory of the storage section 20e, the horizontal direction is X coordinate "0" to "2" and the vertical direction is Y coordinate ". 0 ”
A memory area 60 divided into 3 × 5 XY coordinates represented by “4” is provided.

The user draws step C (the double frame represents the start step) and then inputs step D to draw step D while automatically drawing the transition T2 as described above. be able to.
Similarly, by inputting step E, the step T is drawn while automatically drawing the transition T3,
An SFC figure of the main flow consisting of steps C, D and E and transitions T2 and T3 shown in FIG. Then, step F is drawn on the coordinates (1, 2), step G is drawn on the coordinates (2, 2), and the branch line J1 from step C is input.

As a result, first, the area below the coordinates (1, 0) where the input branch line is drawn is searched, the step F image is extracted from the coordinates (1, 2), and the coordinates (1, 1) are extracted. ), The transition image is not extracted and it is determined that the automatic creation condition is satisfied, and the transition T4 image is automatically drawn at the coordinate (1, 1).

Next, the lower part of the coordinate (2, 0) at which the branch line J1 is drawn next is searched and the step G image is extracted from the coordinate (2, 2). When it is determined that the condition is true, the transition T5 image is automatically drawn at the coordinate (2, 1).

In this way, the transition automatic image of the SFC figure shown in FIG. In the above-described drawing of the branched SFC graphic, steps F and G are first drawn, and then the branch line J1 is input. However, the branch line (or the confluence line) is drawn first, and then the step is input. May be.
The processing in that case will be described with reference to an example of an SFC graphic having a plurality of steps K and L that are branched and then merged as shown in FIG.

First, in this case also, in the pixel data memory of the storage unit 20e, 3 × is represented by the X coordinate "0" to "2" in the horizontal direction and the Y coordinate "0" to "4" in the vertical direction. A memory area 60 divided into 5 XY coordinates is provided.

This time, the user again, as in the case of FIG.
Step H is drawn, and step I is input to automatically draw the transition T6, and then step I is drawn. By inputting step J, transition T7 is automatically drawn to draw the step J. , A main flow SFC figure including steps H, I and J and transitions T6 and T7 shown in FIG. Then, in this case, first, the branch line J2 from step C and the joining line J3 to step J are drawn. Next, step K and step L are sequentially input.

As a result, first, the area above the coordinate (1, 2) in the step K image is searched, the branch line J2 image that replaces the step image is extracted from the coordinate (1, 2), and the coordinate (1 Since the transition image is not extracted from 1), it is determined that the automatic creation condition is satisfied, and the transition T8 image is automatically drawn at the coordinate (1, 1).

Next, the lower part of the coordinates (1, 2) is searched this time, the confluence line J3 image which replaces the step image is extracted from the coordinates (1, 4), and the coordinates (1, 3) are extracted. Since the transition image is not extracted, it is determined that the automatic creation condition is satisfied, and the transition T9 image is automatically drawn at the coordinates (1, 3).

Further, the coordinates (2,
As for 2) as well, similarly to the above, the upper side and the lower side are searched respectively, and it is determined that the automatic creation conditions are satisfied in the same manner as described above, and the transition T10 image is automatically drawn at the coordinates (2, 1) to obtain the coordinates. The transition T11 image is automatically drawn in (2, 3).

In this way, the transition automatic image of the SFC figure shown in FIG.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention, the SF
Since it is possible to automatically create the transition of the C figure, it is possible to prevent a programming mistake such as a missing drawing of the transition, so that the program repair work due to the programming mistake is eliminated and the programming efficiency is improved. In addition, since the transition can be automatically created, only the steps can be drawn and programmed without paying attention to the drawing of the transition, so that the program drawing efficiency is increased, and the programming efficiency is also improved from this point.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a program loader according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image information stored in a pixel data memory.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of SFC graphic part automatic creation.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of an SFC graphic drawn in a memory area provided in a pixel data memory.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are diagrams for explaining an example in which a part of an SFC graphic having a branch step is self-operated.

7 (a) and (b) are S having steps of branching and joining.
It is a figure explaining the example which carries out a part automatic figure of FC figure.

8A is a diagram showing an example of a developed connection diagram of a relay circuit, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an SFC figure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 graphic information input means 2 graphic image memory 3 graphic information automatic creation means

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A graphic information input means for inputting graphic information of an SFC description in an SFC programming method for creating a program for a programmable controller using a sequential function chart (hereinafter referred to as SFC) instruction word system. 1) and the SFC input by the graphic information input means (1)
A graphic image memory (2) for storing a graphic image corresponding to the described graphic information, and when the graphic information is input by the graphic information input means (1), a graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information is displayed. A graphic is searched by searching for two drawing areas of a first drawing area adjacent above the drawing area of the graphic image memory (2) to be drawn and a second drawing area adjacent above the first drawing area. The presence or absence of an image is determined, and when there is no graphic image in the first drawing area and a predetermined graphic image exists in the second drawing area, graphic information corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the first drawing area. And a graphic information automatic creating means (3) for automatically creating a graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information in a drawing area of the graphic image memory (2) in which a graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information is to be drawn. Draw a graphic image to At the same time, the graphic image insertion drawing means for inserting and drawing the graphic image corresponding to the graphic information created by the graphic information automatic creating means (3) into the first drawing area of the graphic image memory (2) ( 4) An SFC programming method characterized by having: 2. The graphic information automatic creation means (3) draws a graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information when the graphic information is input by the graphic information input means (1). The presence or absence of a graphic image is searched by searching for two drawing areas, a third drawing area adjacent below the drawing area of the graphic image memory (2) and a fourth drawing area adjacent below the third drawing area. When there is no graphic image in the third drawing area and a predetermined graphic image exists in the fourth drawing area, the graphic information corresponding to the graphic image to be drawn in the third drawing area is automatically determined. The graphic image inserting / drawing means (4), which has created the graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information, draws the graphic image corresponding to the input graphic information in the drawing area of the graphic image memory (2). Drawing the image and the above figure The graphic image corresponding to the graphic information created by the shape information automatic creating means (3) is inserted into the third drawing area of the graphic image memory (2) and drawn. SFC programming method.